English Language Broadcast

In today's broadcast we learn about Barbara Probst Solomon, an American journalist that became a bridge between Spain and the United States with her writing. The Cervantes Institute of New York held a homage to her legacy and her connection with our country. Spanish journalist, Andrea Aguilar, told us more.Also in this broadcast, we hear from Afaf Abounouadar, excutive director of the Make Mothers Matter organization. Their 2024 survey on the State of Motherhood in Europe showed that 67% of European mothers feel overloaded. We analyzed the causes behind this number.And after that, we learn about the newly-discovered species of giraffes with researcher Michael Brown.Escuchar audio

In this broadcast we are joined by writer Claire Messud. Her latest book "This Strange Eventful History" was just translated to Spanish by Galaxia Gutenberg. A story that unfolds over seven decades and which follows three generations of the same family while they deal with the uncertainty caused by the historical, political and social events that happened in the 20th century. Claire visited Madrid for the presentation and she joined us here in Casa de la Radio to tell us about it!Also in today's broadcast we analyze the new anti-smoking bill which was approved by Spain's Council of Ministers last week. We her fromy Raquel Fernández-Megina, president of the organization NoFumadores.org. Escuchar audio

We begin a new season in the English Language Broadcast. After a summary of the main news of the week, we learn about Medical Open World, an organization that aims to make medical technology accesible for everyone. Their founder, Pablo Sánchez Bergasa, was awarded with the Princess of Girona Social Award 2025 and he was kind enough to join us to tell us all about their project!And after that, if you are in Madrid or visiting, we bring you a literary plan for this weekend. The Back to the Book festival is celebrating its second edition in Matadero. Founder Alfonso Zuriaga tells us all about it!Escuchar audio

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is undoubtedly the most popular pilgrimage in our country. Every year, thousands of people embark on the journey that culminates in Santiago de Compostela, in the northern region of Galicia. Their motivations differ, some do it out of religious convictions, others are fulfilling a promise, others look to make a wish before the Saint, and others are just looking to find themselves... The book "The Way" follows an Irishman who seeks refuge in Spain by walking El Camino de Santiago, and at the same time he remembers his days in Ireland during The Troubles. This book was published by Ybernia and written by Dermot Miller, who joined us to tell us all about it!Also in this broadcast, we learn about the worries and concerns of the neighbours of Valdebebas, in the north of Madrid, due to the construction of what is to become Madrid's Formula 1 circuit. Francisco Reinaldo, from the platform Stop F1 Madrid, tells us more. Escuchar audio

The links between the United States and Spain are countless. Since the foundation of the United States both countries have had a connection that continues until today. For more than 70 years the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute has been promoting Spanish language, culture, art, history, etc. in the United States and raising awareness about our mutual influences. President and CEO, Begoña Santos, was kind enough to join us in this broadcast to tell us more about the institute and their America&Spain250 initiative, which sheds some light on Spain's role during the American Revolutionary War. Escuchar audio

A heat wave has arrived in the Iberian Peninsula, bringing temperatures of up to 42º Celsius and triggering alerts in the whole country. In today's broadcast, we learn about an initiative which aims to offer a "refuge" for those escaping from the extreme heat in the capital.Santiago Hernández, from the Strategic and Editorial Development team of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, tells us about their climate refuge. Escuchar audio

Every year, the small town of Peralejos de las Truchas becomes the capital of rock music... Particularly, Bruce Springsteen's music! Every summer, the town hosts an unmissable event for all Bruce Springsteen's fans. The "Greetings from Peralejos" festival is celebrating its 11th edition this year.To tell us how this small town in the region of Castilla la Mancha ended up hosting one of the four festivals dedicated to "the Boss" in Europe, we are joined by culture councellor Almudena Berzosa.Also in this broadcast, we learn about a new type of tourism that is slowly but steadily making its way in Spain: genealogy tourism. Judith Armegou, head of communication and social media at TurisGen joined us to tell us more. Escuchar audio

In today's broadcast we learn about the new measures implemented by the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the Spanish film industry. Pablo Romero, expert in accessibility, joined us to tell us more.Escuchar audio

In today's broadcast we learn about two festivities which have been designated as "Fiesta" of International Tourist Interest. One of the most important distinctions awarded to a festival in our country.First, we learn about the "Otoño Mágico" from the Ambroz Valley, with Diego Curto Portela, manager at DIVA, the Association for the Comprehensive Development of the Ambroz Valley. A festivity that puts the focus on nature and which received this recognition in 2024.And then, we speak with Raul Gómez, culture councilman in Catoira, about their Viking festival, the "Romería Vikinga". This festivity received the recognition as "Fiesta" of International Tourist Interest back in 2002. Escuchar audio

Spanish writer and poet Jorge López Llorentejust released his first poetry chapbook fully in English: "Dreamescapes". And he was kind enough to join us in Casa de la Radio, to tell us all about it! Escuchar audio

Research led by scientists from the Complutense University of Madrid has confirmed the spread of a gene that creates antibiotic resistant bacteria. Its presence has been identified in six countries and has been found in humans, animals and in the environment.To tell us more about this gene and the consequences of its expansion, we are joined by doctor Bruno González-Zorn, director of the study and Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance Unit at the Complutense University. Escuchar audio

The restoration process of the iconic Puerta de Alcalá has been awarded with the European Heritage Award 2025 by the Europa Nostra Federation. Since its construction in the 18th century, the gate has become a symbol of Madrid. But for a few months Madrilians and visitors had to go without it. The gate was covered in July of 2022 and it was reopened in December of 2024.This effort, however, was worth it since its restoration was recognized for combining "traditional craftsmanship and scientific analysis" "setting new standars for transparency, research and public engagement". To tell us more about this process, we are joined by Blanca Mora, Head of the Restoration and Cultural Heritage Service at Madrid's City Hall. Also in this broadcast, we learn about the routes of Catalan arquitecture, an initiative by the COAC, the College of Architects of Catalonia, with one of its creators Aureli Mora. Escuchar audio

The roots of Madrid's Municipal Historical Library date back to the year 1875. Since then, it has been located in different areas of the city until it reached its final and current location in the Condeduque Cultural Center.The evolution of this library has been a reflection of the evolution of the city and its people. With a collection of around 220,000 volumes, from the 15th to the 21st century, in its almost 150 years of history, it has become a reference institution and one of the most relevant libraries in the region.The exhibition "Madrid entre libros" gives us a look into the history of this library and showcases some of the most special volumes in its collection. Librarians Esther Valverde and Carmen Conde took us on a tour around the exhibit. And after that, we learn about the "Naval Battle" of the city of Vallecas. Escuchar audio

This June was the hottest June in Westen Europe since records began in 1961. And while on land we're suffering extreme heat, desperate for ways to cool down. this year, eyes are on the Mediterranean Sea. It's the sea that warms the fastest in the world.But this year, the Mediterranean got warmer much sooner: 5 to 7 degrees hotter than the usual temperature for June. We discuss this phenomenon with José Antonio López of the Spanish Meteorological Association and Justino Martínez of the Ocean Science Institute.Escuchar audio

he phrase "They just dont make them like they used to" has a whole lot of truth to it... The term 'planned obsolescence' refers to the idea that, when things are made, they're made to break after a period of time so that you'll have to buy more.Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has recently proposed a new bill which would, among other things, target planned or programmed obsolesence with a series of measures... It's far from being approved, but we decided to take the opportunity to talk about planned obsolescence today, with Raquel Duque, of the Spanish Asociation of Consumer Rights. How could planned obsolescence be vanquished? Escuchar audio